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Increased plasma endothelin-1 levels in patients with cirrhosis and esophageal varices

H Isobe1, M Satoh, H Sakai

  • 1Third Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.

Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology
|October 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Plasma endothelin-1 levels were higher in cirrhosis patients with esophageal varices. This may be a compensatory mechanism for vasodilation in liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Physiology
  • Hepatology

Background:

  • Liver cirrhosis is associated with systemic vasodilation.
  • Endothelin-1 is a potent vasoconstrictor peptide with implications in cardiovascular regulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To measure plasma endothelin-1 levels in patients with cirrhosis.
  • To correlate endothelin-1 levels with clinical parameters and esophageal varices.

Main Methods:

  • Plasma endothelin-1 levels were measured in 20 cirrhosis patients and 6 healthy controls.
  • Correlations were performed with clinical data, laboratory parameters, and presence of esophageal varices.

Main Results:

  • A trend towards increased endothelin-1 in cirrhosis patients was observed (6.0 +/- 2.5 vs. 4.4 +/- 1.5 pg/ml).
  • Plasma endothelin-1 levels were significantly elevated in cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices (7.5 +/- 2.5 vs. 4.5 +/- 1.6, p < 0.05).
  • Ascites, serum albumin, bilirubin, and prothrombin time did not significantly correlate with endothelin-1 levels.

Conclusions:

  • Elevated endothelin-1 in cirrhotic patients with varices may be a compensatory response to systemic vasodilation.
  • Endothelin-1 warrants further investigation as a potential biomarker in liver cirrhosis and portal hypertension.

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